Published: Wednesday, 1st October, 2008 12:30
Tributes paid to big-hearted Alloa Rotarian
By Iain Robertson
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Rotarian Bob Garrard was 'one of the good ones'.
Pic by: Family photograph
TRIBUTES have been paid to a big-hearted Alloa Rotarian and pioneering businessman who helped raise thousands of pounds for good causes throughout the Wee County and beyond.
Bob Garrard (64), originally from Bradford but very much an “adopted Scot” after making his home in Alloa, sadly died on Friday night, shortly after attending a dinner to promote local business.
A much-respected and admired member of the Rotary Club of Alloa, he devoted much of his time to promoting good causes, but was also very much a family man who was immensely proud of his four children – David, Rob, Jon and Amy – who will dearly miss their devoted dad.
Bob’s wife Liz told the Advertiser, “He believed strongly in friendship and being there for people and helping others. Bob was a much loved human being by all who knew him. He touched many lives.
“He went on a canal trip every year with many of his friends as well as skiing every year too.”
Earlier this summer, Bob organised the annual Rotary Club hill walk, and as result of his efforts – and those of his fellow members – over £3000 was raised which will benefit several local groups, including disadvantaged youngsters from Alloa who will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime holiday in Disneyland Paris.
Rotary Club President Jim Keenan, speaking on behalf of his fellow Rotarians, said, “Bob joined Alloa Rotary Club in 2001 and over the last couple of years he has been convener of the vocational services committee and more recently the community services committee.
“He was an extremely conscientious and caring Rotarian, and was instrumental in planning and organising many local community events, such as the primary schools quiz and, more recently, our charity hill walk.
“He encouraged local organisations to take part in this event in order to raise funds for their own use and was deeply touched by the work of the local Hawkhill Community Association.
“Indeed, only last week he was delighted to present a cheque to them for funds that they raised at the event, and he was keen to continue to support their ongoing work in the community.
“We are all deeply shocked by his sudden passing. He was an extremely well liked and respected member of the our club and was proud of his involvement in Rotary.
“His keen sense of humour and compassion for others will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Liz and family at this difficult time.”
Bob and Liz married in 1981 and, whilst staying in the North East of England, he taught languages and became the head of sixth form.
The couple moved to Scotland in the early 1990s, and Liz commented, “He loved being an adopted Scot.”
Bob was also involved with the local business community. Indeed, on Friday evening he was a guest at the Clackmannanshire Business Dinner. Liz added, “He involved himself in local enterprises in Scotland and formed many great lasting friendships through that.”
One of those friends, Malcolm McArdle, worked with Bob at the Wee County Development Trust, setting up their gift shop in Tillicoultry, called the ‘Sweet Taste of Scotland’. Other business interests included owning bingo halls.
Malcolm said, “When I was founding the Wee County Development Trust Bob agreed to take part. He was an incredibly devoted family man to his wife and family, as well as to the community. He was just a fantastic character.
“He moved to the area from down south and made Clackmannanshire his home.”
Away from work, Liz said her husband had a great interest for many sports
Liz explained, “Bob loved all sports, he played hockey for his university and also played cricket for Chester le Street, he had such a passion for cricket.”
In tribute to his father, his son David added, “He was one of the good ones.”
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